Directions

In a large bowl, mix together oats, cake mix, and melted margarine so that it makes nice clumps and there is no dry mix left. Press 1/2 of the oats mixture evenly into the bottom the prepared pan. In a separate bowl, mix jam with water, and spread over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 23 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned. Cool before cutting into bars.

Most Helpful Positive Review

Oct 15, 2006

I love these! I've made these a dozen times and here are a couple suggestions that I've found make them even better: As another user suggested, use 1 Tbsp lemon juice instead of the 1 Tbsp water. Also, I always add a few splashes of milk or evaporated milk of half and half (whatever I have on hand)to the cake mixture. It makes the bars stick together much better and they don't come out too crumbly at all.

Most Helpful Critical Review

Jul 24, 2009

As is, it's a great BASE recipe. I took another reviewer's advice and used a lemon cake mix. I also used fresh lemon juice in place of the water with the raspberry preserves. I didn't have any problem with sticky dough. It was a bit dry but it all worked out in the end. To take it over the top, I drizzled homemade lemon glaze with fresh lemon juice over the top. Ordinary dessert made extraordinary. NOTE: Try making it this way. Addictive little bars, lemme tell you.

Oh, man, these are good! I used lemon cake mix, and instead of adding water to the jam, I used lemon juice. The lemon-raspberry combo is simply wonderful. These came together so easily; they'll be a regular around here!

This is the easiest recipe with the best results. I make them the night before and cover the sheet pan with foil, and cut in the a.m.
It can even be made up to 2 days ahead to be cut up on the third dat. This is a big hit at our bake sale and my brother-in-law has me make them every year for his birthday.
This is not a cakey recipe. It doesnt even taste like cake, people can believe it when i give them the recipe.
Try other fillings like fluff and chocolate chips,, peanut butter chips,, Anything goes with this!!!

I love this recipe! When the bars cool, I like to melt about 2 Tbsp. of white or cream cheese frosting in a bowl. Then I drizzle lines over the top in a lattice pattern. Gives these bars a certain finishing touch.

This bar was very good but too sweet for my taste. I served them at a baby shower and everyone loved them. They're the easiet and fastest recipe to make. I think next time I would use 2 cups of jam to create a fruitier flavor. All I could really taste was the cake mix.

Wonderful and quick recipe. I also only had lemon cake mix on hand, and they turned out wonderful. I also substitued the water for lemon juice.
A few tips:
- Do not overbake, or they will be very dry. Mine took only 16 min. to bake completely.
- Make sure your butter is completely melted.
- Cut the squares, when they are completely cooled or they will crumble on you!
Enjoy!

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

**Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-)Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.